rear end question

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TheMattMobile

TheMattMobile

74 Dart Swinger
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I have heard about using a ford 8.8in in the abodies. I heard if you take it out of an explorer or ranger than you buy another short side axleshaft and trim the tube on the long side it will bold right in (changing the leaf spring perches I would assume) anybody do this or offer any info or advice?
 
I've heard of doing something like that too but don't know about taking the chance. I think I'm going with 8 1/4 for now til figure out exactly what my plans are.
 
Just make sure that the Furd rear has the offset pinion like Mopar rears do. I think it's
1 3/16 inch to the right side of centerline if I remember correctly or is it 1 5/16 inch? My memory is really getting bad.
 
Mopar offset is 1 3/8", Fords Offset is 2-2 1/2" (can't quite remember).
But anyways, I just bought a Ford 8.8 from a 99 Explorer Eddie Bower, and it has 4.10 gears, a limited slip, disc brakes, sway bar, 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern and the driveshaft for $150.
I am looking, and I think the spring/shock mounts will work from the Explorer on my 72 Dart also. I pick it up on Tuesday, so I will know more then.
 
AtomicWedgie said:
why can't just get one from a mustang gt? there are a ton of them in the junkyard
Click to expand...

Too wide and 93 and older are 4 lug (can convert though)
I am not sure of exact measurements without looking them up, but an A-Body is 57 1/8", an Exploder rear is 59 1/2, but shortened to 56 3/4" with two short side axles. Shortening one side does center the pinion, but no clearance issues with that. A Rustang rear is centered pinion already and uses 2 "long side" axles.
 
When you say offset side, you mean the pass. side tube is longer than the dr. side right?
Well if the wusstange rear is to wide and needs to be cut down anyway then can't you cut each tube the length you want them? for example: pass side 22" and the dr. side 23 1/2. I know these aren't the lengths you need.
 
Drivers side tube is longer on the Ford 8.8 in Exploders and Rangers. On a mopar Dana 60 the drivers side tube is also longer. On an 8 3/4, the center housing is just offset so the axles are the same length.
You could cut the axles to any length, but they are C-clip axles, unless you use C-Clip eliminators. I think thats what you were saying.
 
Fox Body Mustang (79-93) 8.8 housing measures 56 1/2". Axles measure 29" from outer flange to C-clip groove. I beleive the left axle out of an Explorer is the same 29" as the Mustang.

Plus the factory Mustang rear only had 28 spline axles and trac loc(4-lug), where the Explorer's had 31 spline axles & trac loc(5-lug). Plus the Explorer housing was factory leaf sprung, so all you need to do is move the spring pearches.
 
Ford Granada and Lincoln Versalles are good candidates for housings as well plus you can get them with the factory disc brake setups on the cheap.
 
Thanks guys. Great info. I know the 8.8 is an awesome rear end as I am a converted off road guy lol. I think I am gonna go for it. If nothing else we can call it a learning experience. I am getting the rear end for basically free.
 
I know alot of the 78-84 G-Body Chevy guys are starting to use the 8.8 rears also. Good luck with the build, should workout great. Take lots of pics and notes step by step of the build for future use for others
 
Nice, good luck with it, keep us posted. I am picking up my 8.8 on Tuesday, I got a 4.10, limited slip, disc brakes, sway bar and driveshaft, all for $150.
 
My brother was scrapping an explorer and towed it to the scrap yard. He went to torch the leaf springs and pull the rear end for me real quick in the parking lot but forgot to empty the gas tank lol. Needless to say I have to find a new rear end.
 
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